Comparison of drought resistance in strawberry clover and white clover

Abstract

This study set out to compare plant function and
performance of strawberry clover to that of white clover.
To test this, the two species were exposed to drought for
4 weeks under controlled environmental conditions. Water
stress reduced the size and dry matter of white clover
leaves by more than 50%, whereas strawberry clover
leaves remained unaffected. White clover photosynthesis
decreased by nearly 50% under drought, accompanied
by a reduction in leaf water status (water potential) by
more than one third. In contrast, strawberry clover
maintained a higher water status, photosynthesis and
transpiration rate under drought than white clover. In
addition, we observed drought-induced reductions in
white clover leaf quality, including lower nitrogen levels.
We conclude that strawberry clover displays drought
resistance in a number of key leaf parameters. The
findings suggest value in testing strawberry clover as a
complement or alternative to white clover in droughtprone
pasture environments.... [Show full abstract]